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Sunday, December 18, 2011

It is time to worship

"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.'"

This passage teaches us two thing:

First, that Jesus was born.

What do we learn next?

He is worshiped.

Now, in reality, the wise men most likely traveled a very long way so they probably did not show up the night of Jesus' birth as we often see visualized and hear as part of the Christmas story.

But regardless. They heard the Christ child was born and their response was one of...worship.

What do you think they expected to see when they arrived? A teenage mom as a King of the Jews? A tiny infant boy who looked so...normal?

They came.

Why?

To worship.

"But there is more here than a visit to a child who would be king
someday. These Magi worshiped him. That was the intent of their coming.
And so the narrative also reminds us that this child Jesus was far more
than a future king. Only if He is divine could He be worshiped." - bible.org

We visit newborn babies in hospitals. We bring them gifts. But we do not worship them.

The wise men came to worship because they knew this baby boy was part of a much greater plan to restore humanity and repair relationships.

One week from today is Christmas. And I have choice. I can choose to worship gifts. Or people. Or decorating. Or baking. Or shopping. Or partying.

Or I can do what Scripture models for me. The wise men chose to worship and it would be wise for me to choose the same.

What does that look like? Taking time each day to read, ponder, or dwell upon the magnificence that is Christmas. Sing a hymn. Write a love letter. Read Scripture to prepare my heart. Slow down and listen to what God might be wanting to say to me this advent season. Get on my knees and worship the Creator who brought the created to earth. Stop and recognize the m i r a c l e that is the Christmas story.

In Its Time

I am a wife, a mother and a saved-by-grace writer who is learning to rest in the truth that He makes everything beautiful in its time. I write about the One whose timing and ways and plans I do not understand, but who gives joy in the midst of waiting and brings beauty out of ashes.